Sony LinkBuds Truly Wireless Earbuds - Open-Ring Design

In this review of the Sony LinkBuds, the bottom line is straightforward: these truly wireless earbuds are for people who want to stay aware of their surroundings while listening to audio. The standout feature is the unique open-ring design, which lets environmental sound pass through so users can take calls, hear announcements, or keep tabs on their surroundings while enjoying music or gaming. They are compact and light, and pair easily over Bluetooth, but they do not provide active noise cancellation and have tradeoffs in battery endurance and fit that potential buyers should weigh.

Key Features

• Open-ring design: Lets ambient sound through so you can remain aware of surroundings while listening to music or taking calls.
• Integrated V1 Processor: Delivers balanced, high-quality sound tailored for everyday listening and casual gaming.
• Precise Voice Pickup: Improves call clarity by focusing on voice capture for clearer conversations on mobile calls.
• Long battery life with quick charge: Offers about 20 hours total playback from earbuds and case, and a 5 minute quick charge gives roughly 60 minutes of play time.
• Ultra-small and light fit: Includes five sizes of fitting supporters and a USB-C cable to help find a comfortable seal and charge on the go.
• Multipoint and hands-free control: Supports multipoint device connections via firmware update and tap controls for simple playback and call handling.

Who It's For

These earbuds are best for commuters, office workers, and parents who need to remain aware of their environment while listening to podcasts, music, or calls. Gamers who value situational awareness over full isolation will also appreciate the design for voice chat and casual mobile gaming.

People who want total isolation, heavy bass emphasis, or top-tier noise cancellation should look elsewhere, as the LinkBuds intentionally avoid sealed earbuds and do not include active noise cancellation. Those who need the longest possible battery life or a very secure fit for intense workouts may find better options in other models.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Open-ring design keeps you connected to the world while listening to content.
• Balanced sound courtesy of the Integrated V1 Processor for everyday use and media.
• Quick charge and a combined 20 hours of battery life offers usable all-day playback for typical use.
• Lightweight build with multiple fitting supporters helps many users find a comfortable fit.

Cons

• Because they are open by design, they lack active noise cancellation and can feel less immersive.
• Some users report fit, comfort, and battery life concerns, so real-world performance may vary.

Specifications

Brand	Sony
Design	Open-ring truly wireless earbuds
Bluetooth	Bluetooth Specification Version 5.2
Battery	About 20 hours total; 5 min quick charge = ~60 min
Water resistance	IPX4 (sweat and splash resistant)
Extras	Precise Voice Pickup, Integrated V1 Processor, multipoint support via update
Accessories	Five sizes of fitting supporters, USB-C charging cable

Our Verdict

The Sony LinkBuds are a smart choice if you prioritize situational awareness and comfortable, lightweight wear over isolation and heavy bass. They offer useful features like precise voice pickup, quick charging, and a balanced sound profile, making them good value for commuters and mixed-use listeners who need to stay connected to their environment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do these earbuds block outside noise?
No. The open-ring design allows ambient sound through by design and they do not include active noise cancellation.

How long does a quick charge last?
A 5 minute quick charge provides about 60 minutes of play time according to the manufacturer information.

Can I connect the earbuds to two devices?
Yes. Multipoint connection to two devices is available via a firmware update.